Billy’s absence lasted for nearly a quarter of an hour, and he was beginning to get desperate over the delay when at last the boy returned carrying a can of milk and a mug.

“I had rather a bother to get it,” he explained.  “People are so mighty difficult to stir, and I didn’t want to tell ’em too much.  I’ve promised to take these things back again.  I say, can’t I come along with you now?”

“I’d rather you didn’t,” Scott said.  “I can manage best alone.  Besides, I’m going to ask you to do something more.”

“Anything!” said Billy readily.

“Thanks.  Well, will you ride this animal into Great Mallowes, hire a closed car, and send it to the bridge here to pick me up?  Then take him back to the Court, and if anyone asks any questions, say I’ve met a friend and I’m coming back on foot, but I may not be in to luncheon.  Yes, that’ll do, I think.  I’ll see about returning these things.  Much obliged, Billy.  Good-bye!”

Billy looked somewhat disappointed at this dismissal, but the prospect of a ride was dear to his boyish heart, and in a moment he nodded cheerily.  “All right, I’ll do that.  I’ll hide my bicycle in the wood and fetch it afterwards.  But where are you going to take her to?”

Scott smiled also faintly and enigmatically.  “Leave that to me, my good fellow!  I shan’t run away with her.”

“But I shall see her again some time?” urged Billy, as he dumped his long-suffering machine over the railing and propped it out of sight behind the hedge.

“No doubt you will.”  Scott’s tone was kindly and reassuring.  “But I think I can help her better just now than you can, so I’ll be getting back to her.  Good-bye, boy!  And thanks again!”

“So long!” said Billy, vaulting back and thrusting his foot into the stirrup.  “You might let me hear how you get on.”

“I will,” promised Scott.

CHAPTER XXI

THE VALLEY OF HUMILIATION

When Scott reached the fallen tree again, Dinah’s fit of weeping was over.  She was lying exhausted and barely conscious against his coat.

She opened her eyes as he knelt down beside her.  “You are—­good,” she whispered faintly.

He poured out some milk and held it to her.  “Try to drink some!” he said gently.

She put out a trembling hand.

“No; let me!” he said.

She submitted in silence, and he lifted the glass to her lips and held it very steadily while slowly she drank.

Her eyes were swollen and burning with the shedding of many scalding tears.  Now and then a sharp sob rose in her throat so that she could not swallow.

“Take your time!” he said.  “Don’t hurry it!”

But ere she finished, the tears were running down her face again.  He set down the glass, and with his own handkerchief he wiped them away.  Then he sat upon the low tree-trunk, and drew her to lean against him.